Clearwater Parks Pest Management and Pesticides

The city of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department maintains more than 1,774 acres of parkland, including 109 parks, 51 athletic facilities, six miles of beach, a cemetery and other recreational facilities. They are dedicated to managing pests effectively while preserving public green spaces and ensuring public safety through integrated pest management principles.

Integrated Pest Management & Integrated Vegetation Management

Integrated pest management plan (IPM) was adapted as part of the city's sustainability plan, Greenprint 2.0. Integrated pest management is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to managing problematic insects and invasive species that relies on a combination of common-sense practices and science. We prioritize responsible pesticide use to protect public health and our valuable natural resources.

Management of Exotic/Invasives

1. Prevention: Cleaning vehicles and equipment between sites, removing weeds before seed set
2. Cultural/Sanitation: Mulch and other weed barriers
3. Physical/Mechanical: Hard pulling, line trimming, vegetation harvester
4. Biological: Animal grazing, beneficial insects
5. Chemical: Herbicides, selective and non-selective

Responsible Application

The first goal of pest management is to prevent the introduction and spread of pests. For example, actions such as removing unnecessary standing water to prevent the attraction of mosquitos.

Clearwater Parks & Beautification staff are certified and adhere to guidelines set by integrated pest management and integrated vegetation management. Staff routinely inspects Clearwater park's soil, foliage coloring, temperature, grass, trees, flowerbeds and shrubs to determine if the use of pesticides are necessary. Staff also must participate in continuing education to remain certified.

Only employees with a valid Limited Lawn and Ornamental applicators license issued by FDACS are allowed to handle, mix, or apply any herbicide or pesticide. Any city of Clearwater employee applying herbicide or pesticide must utilize that chemical following all instructions on the approved product label. The label is the law. For additional information on herbicide applications and alternatives, employees must consult the Pinellas County Integrated Vegetation Management Manual.

Invasive Plant Species

Some of the invasive species found in Clearwater are crabgrass, clover, dandelion, dollarweed, goosegrass, sedges, spurge, thistle, Brazilian pepper, torpedo grass, air-potato, carrotwood, caesar's weed, cogon grass and sand spurs.

Invasive Pests

Some of the invasive pests that staff looks for are aphids, chinch bugs, fire ants, mole crickets, Japanese beetles, love bugs, mealy bugs, oleander caterpillars, snails, spider mites, spittlebugs, thrips, white grubs and whiteflies.

Use of Pesticides

Pesticides in Clearwater parks are used sparingly and only when necessary to control invasive pests. Pesticides are not used in playgrounds or dog parks.

Chemical Usage

March 2025

For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us at (727) 562-4800. Clearwater remains committed to balancing recreational needs with environmental stewardship through responsible pest management practices.

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